noun / adjective
amateur
AM-uh-chur/ˈæmətʃər/
Participating without professional status.
An amateur astronomer studies the night sky from her backyard.
Etymology
The pieces form “one who loves”: an amateur was a lover of an art or pursuit. That attachment developed into the sense of someone participating for interest rather than professional gain.
In context
Now, six amateur astronomers, working with the Internet … they can do what Jodrell Bank could only do 30 years ago.
As an amateur astronomer, to me a star party is when a group of people go out and gather under the night sky…
More examples
- The tournament is open only to amateur players.
- Despite his enthusiasm, his careless work marks him as an amateur.
- Several skilled amateurs contribute observations to the research project.
Forms
amateur · amateurs
Similar words
- hobbyist
- Emphasizes personal enjoyment rather than professional eligibility.
- novice
- Specifies inexperience rather than absence of professional status.